Solid Waste

The mission of the Division of Solid Waste Management (DSWM) is to protect health and improve environmental quality for all Tennesseans through responsive and effective oversight of waste management activities.

Solid waste may be defined as any useless, unused, unwanted, or discarded materials. Hazardous waste, problem waste, toxic substances, and recyclables may be distinguished from other solid waste. DSWM has established focused programs to address each of these.

It seeks to minimize the amount of municipal solid waste landfilled and promote markets for recycled materials. It also addresses problem waste, such as waste tires, medical waste, or household hazardous waste, and encourages recycling of used oils.

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has been awarded $4.5 million by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as part of a lead-based paint grant initiative to make improvements to impacted homes. TDEC’s Toxic Substances Program will administer the grant and will launch activities in partnership with several government and community organizations.